Los Campesinos! and The National

So it's been a pretty busy summer so far... It has mostly just consisted of taking a philosophy class, working, and relaxing in Ann Arbor, but I have no problem with that. I can already tell it's going to be one of the best summers I've ever had. As far as concerts go, I've been lucky enough to be in the first row at Los Campesinos and The National. Both concerts were incredible, and the musicianship was astounding at both venues for the most part.

To begin, The National were exceptional. They are far from one of my favorite bands, but I must say that their live performance exceeded any expectations I had and secured them a position (temporarily) in my top three concerts I've ever been to. Matt Berninger, The National's lead singer, has go to be one of the coolest people ever. He cradled the mic in his hands like it was a baby he was whispering to; it really added just that much more to his performance. Also, the violinist was absolutely insane. For half the concert at least, the guy was flipping out doing backflips while playing  violin. It was actually quite amusing.  The two twin brother guitarists were extremely skilled as well, and the sound was almost ethereal. Especially during Abel. I'd only heard it a few times before, but it instantly became a favorite. From the way Berninger screamed his baritone crooning into the microphone to the way the electric guitar echoed off the the walls of the atrium at the Crofoot Ballroom, the experience was unparalleled. I expected the concert to be just like the Apartment Story music video, but it was really so much more.

Apparently Los Campesinos are not as big as I thought they were. I was in line an hour before doors opened, and I received funny looks. No one even showed up until like 10 minutes before doors. When I bought a tshirt later on, their merch guy even commented "Why have you been here so long?" Apparently now I am officially their biggest fan in Michigan. And they rocked in person. It's very obvious that they are young and relatively inexperienced with playing live, but still their skills showed through and their sound was almost identical to that on the record. Hold On Now Youngster grew on me tenfold during the month before the concert, so it just heightened my experience that much more. Anyways, Garreth and Aleksandra were very charming in person. Their tongue-in-cheek style was a spectacle in person, I just wish Aleks would've spoke up a little bit while she was singing; I could barely hear her half the time. The funny thing was, I think she realized that her voice could not overcome the seven other odd instruments in the band, so she started yelling almost towards the end of the concert.